The news of Eight is Enough fame actor Adam Rich’s death shocked the world. His death news came on 7th January 2023. One of his close family members confirmed the death, though the cause of his death was not revealed. He was 54 at the time of his death.
Though the cause of death was not revealed, according to reports, law enforcement revealed that someone came to his house and found him lifeless. According to them, there was no foul play involved in it.
The reason for his death is yet to be released officially. But the actor is no more. For an official statement to be released, the autopsy must be done, the result of which is still pending. He once graced the TV screen as the little Nicolas in the TV Show Enough is Enough.
He has also suffered the plight of what many other child actors faced in Hollywood, including substance abuse. He retired from his acting career in the 80s because he did not want the attention and limelight he got as an actor.
Since then, he has stayed away from much fame but occasionally made news of his substance abuse. In addition to his addiction, he has also struggled with mental health problems.
Adam Rich’s Career as a Child Artist
He started very young, and He was just eight when he got the role of Nicholas in Eight is Enough. Born In San Francisco to a Jewish family, he spent his childhood days in Los Angeles. He also acted in Irwin Allen’s 1881 television series Code Red which aired on ABC. He was also part of the sitcom Gun Shy on CBS.
While doing these roles, he was still a child. An early exposure to the limelight somewhat made him hate the attention as he grew up. It was this decision that prompted him to step away as an actor. It was too much for him to handle. He also had an addiction and mental health struggle to deal with.
Adam Rich Credit: ABCPhoto Archives/Disney General Entertainment/Getty Images
He has acted in guest roles in television series such as Fantasy Island, Baywatch, The Love Boat, The Six Million Dollar Man, CHiPs, and St. Elsewhere. He has also tried his hands-on Voice acting in the series Dungeons and Dragons. He did this along with his Eight is Enough cast mate Willie Aemes.
Adam Rich’s Struggle with Mental Health
After his role in Eight is Enough, he did not have much success in his acting career. The role in Eight is Enough was popular and earned him the title of America’s Little Brother. He continued acting till his teen, but it was at this time he got hooked on drugs.
He suffered the same plight as many Childhood actors. Having been exposed to fame at such a young age made them look for drugs. That was what happened to him as well. In 1989 he was reported to have taken an overdose of Valium that nearly killed him.
His substance abuse has gotten him in trouble with the law many times. He was arrested in 1991 for breaking into a Pharmacy. This was the final straw that made him go to rehab. As the saying goes, once an addict is always an addict. Rich tried to sober up many times, but those old habits don’t die fast.
Adam Rich in Eight is Enough Credit: Getty Images
Even after years of rehab, he was again arrested for driving under the influence in 2002. He nearly struck a California Highway Patrol Car. His struggle with addiction and substance abuse was real, and though he sought help many times, he eventually returned back to them.
After years of substance of abuse, the news came out that he died in his home at the age of 54. The reason for his death is yet to be confirmed. No other details about his funeral or memorial plans are out yet.
Adrian Rich once braced the screen with his cute face and energetic performance that earned him the title “ America’s Little Brother,” but his early exposure to fame and limelight made him hate this attention even more. After years of struggle with substance abuse, the actor passed away in his house at the age of 54 on January 7, 2023.
